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VIABILITY OF THE SMALL POLICE FORCE

NCJ Number
9230
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 49 Issue: 3 Dated: (MARCH 1973) Pages: 56-59
Author(s)
J J CALLAHAN
Date Published
1973
Length
4 pages
Annotation
REMEDIES TO UPGRADE THE CAPABILITY OF SMALL POLICE FORCES IN PROVIDING MINIMUM ESSENTIAL SERVICES.
Abstract
THE ECONOMIC CONDITION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENTS IS DIRECTLY RELATED TO THEIR ABILITY TO AFFORD ADEQUATE POLICE SERVICES. BECAUSE OF THE COST OF SUFFICIENT POLICE PROTECTION, MANY SMALL POLICE DEPARTMENTS ARE POORLY TRAINED AND ORGANIZED AND THUS PROVIDE A VERY LOW QUALITY OF SERVICE. REMEDIES FOR THIS PROBLEM INCLUDE PROVISION OF MONETARY INCENTIVES FOR IMPROVED EFFICIENCY AND THE CONSOLIDATION OF DEPARTMENTS. STATE AND LOCAL OFFICIALS SHOULD REEXAMINE THE ROLE OF THE SMALL POLICE DEPARTMENTS BEFORE THE INADEQUACIES OF SUCH AGENCIES RESULT IN LITIGATION.